Comparing Compact Contenders: Fujifilm JZ200 vs Sony W800 - Which Small Sensor Camera Wins?

When it comes to compact cameras with small sensors - especially those targeted at casual photographers - there’s plenty of choice. But within this nook of the camera marketplace, does it pay to dig a little deeper? Today, I put two notable compacts under the microscope: the Fujifilm FinePix JZ200 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. Both represent affordable, ultra-portable options aimed at beginners or those who want a simple “point and shoot” in their bag. However, my experience with these cameras over years of hands-on testing has revealed that despite their shared class, they cater to subtly different use cases and priorities.

I’ll break down their specs, ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, and more, drawing on rigorous, nuanced evaluations - sometimes live shooting at dawn landscapes, other times at fast-paced street scenes - helping you pinpoint which small sensor compact best suits your style and budget.

A Tale of Two Compact Bodies: Size and Handling

Starting with the physical, these cameras are designed to fit snugly in a pocket or purse. Here’s where the subtleties in dimensions and ergonomics come into play.

The Fujifilm JZ200 measures 100 x 56 x 24 mm and weighs around 135g with its battery and card loaded. The Sony W800 is slightly more compact at 97 x 55 x 21 mm, tipping the scales at 125g. That 3mm thickness and 10-gram difference might seem minimal, but in hand, the JZ200 feels a tad chunkier and more substantial, which can actually inspire more confidence in grip, especially for those who dislike ultra-miniature cameras.

The body design of the JZ200 favors rounded edges and a slight front thumb rest, lending decent handling security despite lacking a protruding grip. The Sony’s more squared and flattened silhouette affords true pocketability, though my fingers do occasionally find it less secure in rapid shooting situations. Neither model features weather sealing or ruggedness enhancements, a tradeoff expected at this price point.

In sum, if you prioritize a compactness-first approach for travel or street stealth, the Sony pulls slightly ahead. However, for anyone who values a modest physical presence to steady shots, the JZ200’s shape gives it a mild ergonomic edge.

Control Layout and Interface: Quicker Access Equals Quicker Creativity

Handling is more than just how a camera feels; how it feels “in control” matters too. I always test whether button placement, dials, and screens allow me to intuitively change settings and frame shots without fumbling.

Both cameras forgo any external exposure controls - as is typical for entry-level compacts, there’s no Manual or Aperture Priority mode. However, the JZ200 has a more prominent shutter button with an immediately adjacent zoom toggle rocker, positioned on a slight incline that feels natural for my index finger. The mode dial is absent, instead replaced by basic menu navigation buttons behind the camera, which keeps the top panel clean.

The Sony W800 blends its shutter release and zoom toggle into a more flattened top space. Buttons on the rear include a playback and a menu button, but I found the absence of a tactile zoom rocker less intuitive for smooth zoom pulls, especially in video mode.

Neither of these cameras boasts a touchscreen interface (a significant omission in 2024, but understandable considering their release dates), and their menus are relatively simple but sometime clunky, which slowed my pace down when adjusting white balance or reviewing images.

In this category, the Fujifilm JZ200 is more user-friendly, with control placements tailored for quick reflexes during shooting. The Sony doesn’t lag far behind but felt less refined in button feedback.

Sensor and Image Quality - Small Sensor, Big Impact?

When comparing small sensor compacts, the sensor technology and resulting image quality usually make or break a purchase decision. Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, common in inexpensive compacts but limited compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sizes. Let’s dive a bit deeper.

• Fujifilm JZ200: 16 megapixels, max ISO 1600 (boosted to 3200)
• Sony W800: 20 megapixels, max ISO 3200 native

While the Sony offers a higher resolution by 4 million pixels, in real-world use, that bump didn’t translate to noticeably sharper images. The smaller pixel pitch on the sensor actually means higher noise at elevated ISOs and somewhat softer details than the Fujifilm, despite the numerical edge.

In daylight or controlled lighting, the JZ200’s output appeared a touch warmer with pleasing color rendition, something Fuji is known for thanks to their color science expertise. Skin tones in portraits looked natural and flattering on the JZ200, better preserving subtle pinks and warmth. The Sony W800 tended toward slightly cooler, more neutral colors, which some might prefer for landscape fidelity.

Neither camera supports RAW file capture, meaning all post-processing flexibility is lost. Both rely solely on JPEG compression, which can limit dynamic range and shadow recovery in challenging lighting.

Overall, the image quality winner is the Fujifilm JZ200, especially for skin tones and color rendering, despite the Sony’s higher pixel count.

LCD Screens and Live View: The Photographer’s Window

For framing and image review, LCD screen quality and usability matter a lot - especially since neither camera has an electronic viewfinder.

The Fujifilm JZ200 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD at 230k dots, while the Sony W800’s screen is slightly smaller at 2.7 inches, same 230k resolution. The size difference may seem minor but on sunny days, the larger Fujifilm screen allowed me to compose shots more comfortably, even outdoors in bright conditions, thanks to its somewhat improved anti-reflective coating.

Both screens do not flip or tilt, so awkward shooting angles were tricky in both. Neither features touchscreen capability, so all navigation relies on physical buttons and directional pads.

In terms of live view autofocus responsiveness, both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus via the LCD. During testing, the JZ200 was mildly faster focusing, while the W800 occasionally hesitated in low contrast scenes.

On balance, Fujifilm’s larger LCD and snappier live view AF provide a slightly better user experience.

Autofocus Capabilities: Are Small Sensors All Slow?

Autofocus speed and reliability is surprisingly crucial, especially for wildlife, street, and sports photos where moments pass in an instant.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus only - no phase detection on these models. Neither offers manual focus or any significant point selection technology, relying instead on a central AF point with basic tracking available.

The Fujifilm JZ200 has an edge here, with reported “AF tracking” that worked moderately well during my brief tests, though it lacked true subject recognition features like face or eye detection.

The Sony W800 includes face detection, which is a nice touch for snapping portraits and casual shots, but it struggled in dimmer environments or with moving subjects.

Burst shooting rates max out at 1 frame per second on both, which is painfully slow compared to more advanced cameras but typical for this class. Neither camera is equipped for fast action sequences.

In practical terms, if your photography is mainly posed portraits or static landscapes, both autofocus systems suffice. But for wildlife or street photography where spontaneous focusing is required, neither camera shines. The Fujifilm’s slight AF speed advantage and tracking make it somewhat preferable.

Lens Range and Versatility: Zooming Into Your Needs

Fixed lens zoom systems on compact cameras are a classic convenience, but focal length range and aperture are key influencers of creativity and performance.

• Fujifilm JZ200: 25-200mm equivalent zoom (8x optical), aperture f/2.9 to 5.9
• Sony W800: 26-130mm equivalent zoom (5x optical), aperture f/3.2 to 6.4

The Fujifilm significantly outclasses the Sony on zoom length, affording much more reach on the telephoto end. This makes a big difference when shooting wildlife or distant street subjects where cropping isn’t ideal. The wider 25mm setting on the JZ200 is also only 1mm wider than Sony's 26mm, offering nearly equivalent wide-angle framing.

Regarding aperture, the JZ200’s brighter maximum f/2.9 at wide angle lets in more light than the Sony’s f/3.2, translating to better low light and some subject isolation potential. Neither lens produces creamy bokeh due to sensor size and aperture limitations, but the wider aperture helps achieve slightly better background separation.

If zoom versatility and a brighter lens are important to your shooting, the Fujifilm wins clearly.

Video Performance: Can They Capture Motion Too?

Both cameras offer basic HD video capture:

• Fujifilm JZ200: 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps, Motion JPEG codec
• Sony W800: 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps, AVI MPEG4 codec

Video quality on both is serviceable for home movies or casual use, but the lack of Full HD (1080p) or 4K footage is a downside in the current age. Neither offers external microphone inputs or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control.

Image stabilization is optical on both cameras and helps reduce shake during handheld video. However, continuous autofocus while recording is limited and produces hunting focus.

In my tests, the Sony’s video looked slightly softer and noisier compared to the Fuji, possibly due to codec differences but also sensor processing.

For casual video enthusiasts, both fulfill basic needs, but video shouldn’t be a primary consideration here.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity – Practicalities That Matter

Battery life information is sparse from official sources, but based on experience and comparable models:

• Fujifilm JZ200 uses the NP-45A rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Expect roughly 180-220 shots per charge.
• Sony W800 uses the NP-BN battery, typically capable of 250-300 shots per charge.

Sony holds a modest advantage here, suitable for extended day trips without frequent recharging.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Sony also compatible with Memory Stick Duo variants, adding some flexibility. USB 2.0 serves as the sole cable connection, with no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS on either camera, limiting wireless workflow or geotagging features.

Real-World Use Case Performance: Where Each Camera Shines

To translate specs into practical insights, I used both cameras across the range of genres you're interested in:

Fujifilm JZ200 front Fujifilm JZ200 screen back Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back

• Portrait Photography: The Fujifilm’s color rendition led to pleasing skin tones, an important factor I observed shooting indoor portraits under incandescent light. Its slightly faster autofocus contributed to more keepers. The Sony’s face detection helped beginners nail focus, but skin tones were somewhat muted.

• Landscape Photography: Both struggled with dynamic range given their small sensors, but the Fujifilm’s 16MP sensor produced slightly cleaner files. Neither offers weather sealing, so hikers or outdoor photographers must mind the elements.

• Wildlife Photography: The JZ200’s longer 200mm zoom and better AF tracking made distant bird photography marginally feasible, whereas the Sony’s 130mm capped reach.

• Sports Photography: Neither performs well due to 1 fps burst and slow AF; however, the Fujifilm marginally edges out thanks to quicker AF locks.

• Street Photography: The Sony’s smaller size and subdued design make it more discreet, ideal for candid shooting. Fujifilm’s chunkier profile might attract attention.

• Macro Photography: Fujifilm supports a 5cm macro focus range, while Sony lacks a published macro spec. In practice, the JZ200 delivered usable close-ups with decent sharpness and a shallow background.

• Night / Astro Photography: Both cameras flare up noise prominently above ISO 400. Night photography is mostly a no-go unless you settle for grainy images.

• Video: Both adequate for casual clips; the JZ200 offers slightly better image quality.

• Travel Photography: Sony’s lightweight, portable body and longer battery life lend an edge for travelers prioritizing size.

• Professional Work: Neither camera fits professional needs due to lack of RAW, manual controls, or robust build.

Scoring the Contenders: Objective and Subjective Ratings

To synthesize all data points and subjective experience, here’s an overall performance summary:

Where They Fit: Genre-Based Performance Breakdown

If you’re still not sure where these two fit into your photographic pursuits, this genre-specific look might illuminate:

• Casual family snapshotter: Sony W800’s simplicity, compact size, and price make it the better pick.
• Travel and street photography: The discreet stature of the Sony aids street photography, but the Fuji’s longer zoom can capture distant moments missed by the Sony.
• Nature and wildlife enthusiast: Fujifilm’s reach and better color science benefit outdoors photographers needing versatility.
• Macro and close-up work: Fujifilm’s 5cm macro focus and brighter aperture make it more capable.
• Vloggers and home videographers: Neither camera is ideal but Fujifilm’s marginally better video quality nudges favor.
• Budget-tight beginners: Sony’s often lower price and modest battery life offer value.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Consider?

Having rigorously tested both cameras, here’s my honest take:

• If budget, extreme portability, and ease of use dominate your priorities - and you want a simple camera you can stow and forget - the Sony W800 is a solid choice. It’s beginner-friendly, pocket-friendly, and straightforward.

• If you value better image quality, more zoom capability, and slightly faster autofocus - and don’t mind a small size increase - the Fujifilm JZ200 delivers more that photographers “in the know” will appreciate.

Neither camera impresses with professional features, and neither is a stellar performer in challenging light or fast action. But as basic point-and-shoot tools, they each offer good, honest functionality at approachably low prices.

How I Tested Them

Throughout this comparison, my evaluation leaned heavily on controlled lab tests for technical specs, paired with extended field shoots in varied scenarios (portrait sessions under mixed indoor light, park wildlife walks, city street strolls at dusk). I used identical SD cards and fresh batteries to avoid performance bias and calibrated exposure for fairness.

My expertise comes from over 15 years of evaluating cameras across price ranges and professional levels, honing an understanding of what details truly affect usability and image quality in the real world.

Summary Table for Quick Comparison

Choosing the right compact camera is all about your needs, but I hope this detailed comparison brings clarity and confidence to your purchase. If you’re curious to see example images side-by-side and more visual details, check out the gallery above.

Happy shooting, and remember - the best camera is one that’s in your hands when inspiration strikes!

Disclaimer: I have no affiliations with FujiFilm or Sony and conducted all testing and reviews independently to maintain objectivity and trustworthiness.